Realistic Ways to Save Money While Working from Home (What’s Actually Worked for Me!)

Let’s be honest—working from home sounds like a dream, right? No commuting, no dress code, no overpriced lunch specials tempting you on your break. But I quickly learned that just because you’re at home doesn’t mean your wallet is automatically safe. In fact, those little expenses add up fast when you’re not paying attention.

So I made a promise to myself: if I was going to make working from home work, I had to get smart about my spending. And now, I’m passing on what’s actually worked for me—realistic ways I’ve saved money (without feeling like I’m missing out on life).

Ready? Let’s dive in, friend to friend.

1. Ditching Takeout for a Work-From-Home Meal Prep Routine

I’ll admit it: I used to be a takeout queen. Working from home gave me way too much freedom to “just order something quick.” But those $15-$20 meals added up faster than I realized—especially when I looked at my monthly bank statement (ouch).

So I started doing a simple weekly meal prep routine. I’m not talking about 12 containers of the same dry chicken and rice. I mean real, cozy, filling meals that keep me going during work hours—like homemade soups, slow cooker stews, easy wraps, and smoothies.

Not only did I cut down my food spending by over $200 a month, but I also started eating healthier and feeling more energized. Win-win!

2. Setting Up a “No-Spend” Work Zone at Home

Here’s a weird money trap I didn’t expect: working from the couch meant being way too close to my phone and all those shopping apps. I’d open Instagram on a quick break… and suddenly I’m buying throw pillows I don’t need.

So I created a little rule for myself: during “work hours,” I only use my desk or designated workspace—and I keep my phone across the room. It’s a mental shift that signals: this is focus time, not shopping time. Just that one change helped me avoid dozens of impulse purchases.

3. Cutting Back on Coffee Runs (Without Giving Up Coffee)

I used to tell myself: “I deserve this iced coffee—it’s just $5.” But five days a week? That’s $100 a month—on coffee.

I didn’t want to give up my caffeine ritual, so I found a fun compromise: I started making my own “coffee shop” at home. I bought a milk frother, learned a few DIY drink recipes, and even treat myself to flavored syrups occasionally.

Now? I sip my caramel 2% milk latte with white chocolate chip sprinkles and cinnamon in my cozy kitchen and feel just as fancy—but for pennies.

4. Reevaluating Subscriptions (Yep, Even the Sneaky Ones)

You know those sneaky little subscriptions that just auto-renew every month while we’re not looking? I had over seven. Music, fitness apps, digital planners, editing tools I barely used—you name it.

I spent one afternoon combing through my bank account and canceling every single one I didn’t absolutely need. That quick task saved me $85 a month. And guess what? I didn’t even miss most of them.

Tip: try a free app like Truebill or Rocket Money to help identify those recurring charges. It’s honestly eye-opening.

5. Buying Office Supplies—Only When It Matters

At first, I went full Pinterest-mode with my home office setup. But guess what? I barely used half the stuff I bought. Cute planners, fancy pens, desk organizers I thought I needed—most of it ended up collecting dust.

Now, I only buy what truly supports my workflow. For me, that’s one good notebook, a comfy chair (game-changer), and strong Wi-Fi. Everything else? Optional. Also shopping at your local dollar store can save on cost as well and they do have really nice stationary!

Minimal workspace = minimal clutter = more money in my account.

6. Using Budget-Friendly Tools (Instead of Expensive Software)

One of the perks of working from home is that you often don’t need all the bells and whistles of a traditional office. When I started out, I thought I needed every premium tool out there—but most of them had free versions or great alternatives.

Here are a few swaps I love:

• Canva Free (instead of premium graphic design tools)

• Google Docs + Sheets (instead of pricey office software)

• Notion (for project planning and to-do lists)

You’d be surprised how much you can get done without spending a dime.

7. Setting a Weekly “Work from Home Budget”

This one took me a while to implement, but wow—it changed everything.

Instead of tracking every single penny every day (which made me feel overwhelmed), I gave myself a weekly spending limit for work-from-home extras: snacks, supplies, treats, or anything fun. If it didn’t fit into the weekly limit, it had to wait.

Suddenly, I was more mindful, more intentional, and less impulsive. And that feeling of being in control? Honestly priceless.

8. Swapping Paid Learning for Free Resources

I used to feel pressure to buy every course, masterclass, and eBook I came across. But I quickly learned that you can level up your skills without draining your wallet.

Some of my fave free and low cost resources:

• YouTube (endless tutorials)

• Coursera and edX (many free courses)

• Public libraries (so many have digital programs now!)

• Free email newsletters from experts in your field

• Work From Home eBooks which are very educational yet priced affordable such as: My Remote Work Survival Guide, The Work From Home Nutrition Guide and The Work From Home Time Mastery Guide!

Investing in yourself is important—but you can do it smartly.

9. Making Money While I Save (Hello, Cashback Apps!)

This is one of my favorite tricks. If I have to spend money (groceries, gas, bills), I make sure I’m getting something back. I use cashback apps and browser extensions like:

• Rakuten

• Honey

• Fetch Rewards

• Flipp (great for Canadian flyers!)

These little apps help me earn while I shop—and it adds up. I’ve gotten back over $300 in rewards just for using them consistently. That’s money I would’ve spent anyway!

10. Being Honest With Myself (and Giving Grace)

Last but not least… I had to stop pretending I could do it all at once.

Saving money doesn’t mean depriving yourself or being perfect. It means paying attention and adjusting when you need to. I still have months where I slip up or indulge a little too much, and that’s okay.

The real key? Progress, not perfection.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Being Cheap—It’s About Being Choice-Full

Working from home changed my life in so many ways—but it also taught me to take a closer look at where my money was going. I realized I didn’t have to sacrifice joy or comfort… I just had to be more intentional.

These realistic tips didn’t just save me hundreds of dollars a month—they gave me peace of mind. And honestly, that’s the real win.

If you're working from home or thinking about it, I hope these little changes help you the way they helped me. You’ve got this!

Let me know which one you’ll try first—or if you’ve got your own money-saving secret. I’d love to hear about it!